[Tracheal compression by the brachiocephalic trunk in infants--surgical treatment of 30 cases]

This is a report on 30 cases of innominate artery compression of the trachea and its operative correction by an aorto-truncopexy. Tracheoscopy is the most important examination for arriving at the diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which offers representative pictures of many moments of expiration and inspiration, shows the anatomic relationship between the innominate artery, the aortic arch and the trachea, also demonstrating the extent of the tracheal compression. Surgical treatment is indicated if narrowing of the lumen of the trachea is greater than 70%. By fixing the aortic arch and the proximal innominate artery at the back of the sternum the trachea is relieved of its compression. In 30 children there was no unsuccessful operation, and none of them died.